This week, we’re chatting with Tina Woods, CEO of Business for Health, a coalition of businesses making preventative health a priority in the workplace.

If you could recommend One Good Thing everyone can do to improve their mental health, what would it be?

Keep moving. This doesn’t have to mean strenuous runs or daily gym sessions, but instead, making movement a part of your day-to-day life and making it work for you. Taking a Zumba class with friends, for example, or a walk at the weekend when the sun is out. Anything you enjoy that connects your mind and body. 

Why is this your One Good Thing?

The effects of moving are proven. As I’ve become older, I’ve not only found more happiness through moving but scientific evidence shows that physical activity slows the rate at which you age and boosts mood. Our bodies and minds are connected, so building on small physical activity rituals and routines can also have a powerful effect on our brains and create a better state of mental health. 

With the pandemic restricting people’s movement and changing our daily routines, many move a lot less than they used to, especially as people have started to work from home more often. Moving to connect mind and body can range from doing yoga or stretches at home, walking instead of taking public transport and trying out a new activity like pilates. It’s also a great to meet new people and form connections – being healthy has a lot to do with your social network too. 

How can daily movement benefit our mental health?

Movement can increase brain sensitivity to serotonin and norepinephrine, the hormones that relieve feelings of depression and increase the production of endorphins, which are known to help produce positive feelings. As well as boosting mental health and wellbeing, people who exercise regularly are less likely to develop heart disease, stroke and diabetes – all risks associated with dementia.

Are there any ways we can get daily movement wrong? 

There are really no pitfalls to movement. People might perceive movement as a restricted exercise regime and something that will require time, money and put them at risk of injuries, but it’s all about finding something that works for you. If you do feel you’re overdoing it or start to experience muscle aches, knowing when to take time away and rest is just as important. 

How do you personally do your One Good Thing?

My personal routine involves a ‘non-negotiable’ hour of activity, which often includes a 3k jog in my local park by the Thames followed by 30 minutes on my rowing machine in the cellar. Twice a week I go to a Zumba class – I love the music and dancing is a passion.

And how has doing this changed your life?

In my early 50s, I took a plunge and switched careers. Making movement a priority in my life has given me the energy and intrepidness to take risks and has sparked new ideas. 

I’m also fascinated by the scientific effects of movement, and as CEO and co-founder of Business for Health, we explore ways to make the UK healthier – including preventing long-term chronic illnesses with movement – so it’s been key in guiding my work and helping me lead by example.

Images: Getty; Stylist

Frame Of Mind is Stylist’s home for all things mental health and the mind. From expert advice on the small changes you can make to improve your wellbeing to first-person essays and features on topics ranging from autism to antidepressants, we’ll be exploring mental health in all its forms. You can check out the series home page to get started.